Hazardous waste | Keeping track of it has become a difficult task

Los Angeles County Fire Department hazardous materials specialists Mario Benjamin, left, and Nancy Parson respond to a call in Whittier to identify an abandoned container in an alley.  (Christina House / For The Times)

In late 2010, teachers and children at Saul Martinez Elementary School were evacuated, overwhelmed by noxious odors from Western Environmental Inc., a nearby soil-recyclng facility. The plant is on land owned by the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians.  (Christina House / For The Times)

A worker inventories hazardous waste destined for burial at Chemical Waste Management’s facility in Kettleman City, one of two active landfills in California licensed to accept such dangerous shipments.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

A truck makes its way along Highway 41, which runs through the town of Kettleman City. A state regulatory agency has issued 72 violations alleging that spills of hazardous chemicals went unreported for four years at a toxic waste dump in the Central California town.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

After dumping a load of toxic waste, a truck exits Chemical Waste Management in Kettleman City. Fifty-eight shipments destined for the landfill never arrived.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)